PG-13

License to Drive

Some guys get all the brakes!

1988 • 90 min • Comedy · Family · Romance

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Synopsis

Teenager Les Anderson thinks his life can't get any worse after he flunks his driver's exam, but he's wrong. Even though he didn't receive his license, Les refuses to break his date with the cool Mercedes Lane, and he decides to lift his family's prize luxury car for the occasion. Unfortunately, Mercedes sneaks some booze along and passes out drunk, and a confused Les makes the bad decision of enlisting his rebellious friend, Dean, to help.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

427 reviews

67 Audience · 427 · 100%

After failing his driving test, Les takes his family's car to impress a girl, leading to a wild night of misadventures. Things spiral out of control when his date drinks too much and he enlists his rebellious friend for help. This 80s teen comedy features classic tropes and plenty of hijinks.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 6/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Underage drinking and drunk driving are central to the plot.
Reckless driving is depicted for comedic effect.
Some language typical of 80s teen movies.

What it models well

Persistence and determination
Learning from mistakes
Friendship and loyalty

Talk about it after

The importance of responsible choices, especially concerning driving and alcohol.
The consequences of underage drinking and drunk driving.
How peer pressure can influence decisions.
The value of honesty with parents.

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for License to Drive. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.